How Do I Reset a GFCI Receptacle? 

Common GFCI Locations

The National Electric Code (NEC) requires GFCIs to be added installed in areas where there is a higher risk of electrical shock, particularly where water may be present. Some of the most common areas where GFCIs are located include:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry Rooms
• Outdoors
• Basements
• Garages

It’s important to note that one GFCI outlet often protects multiple outlets downstream. This means a tripped GFCI in a bathroom, garage, or exterior wall can affect other rooms, even if they don’t have a GFCI of their own.

GFCI Outlet Reset Steps

If you have lost power to a portion of your home, follow these three simple steps to reset your GFCI receptacle and restore electrical function.

1. Find the GFCI

Your GFCI may be found in an adjacent room that controls all receptacles or as part of an individual outlet. Before resetting, be sure to unplug any electronics from the GFCI or any surrounding outlets on the same circuit.

If you’re having trouble locating the GFCI, check:

• Bathroom outlets (even if another room is affected)
• Garage walls near the door opener
• Exterior outlets
• Kitchen countertop outlets
• Basement utility areas

2. Press “Reset”

A GFCI outlet will have two small buttons labeled “Test” and “Reset.” These buttons are usually located in the center of the outlet and may be color coded. Find and press the “Reset” button firmly, you should feel or hear a small click.

If the outlet won’t reset, that may indicate a more serious electrical issue.

3. Test for Power

Plug a device or charger back into the outlet to determine if power has been restored. If it doesn’t work, try repeating the steps again. If it continues to fail, the GFCI may be damaged or there may be a wiring issue further down the circuit.

Additional GFCI Troubleshooting Tips

If the GFCI does not reset or trips again shortly after, consider checking the following:

• Try resetting other GFCIs in the home. There may be more than one controlling the affected area.
• Check your breaker panel to see if a circuit breaker has also tripped.
• Try plugging in another appliance, light, or cord to be sure the GFCI is bad.
• Inspect for any moisture if the outlet is outdoors or in a damp space.
• Ensure that nothing is overloading the circuit, such as multiple large appliances on the same line.

Sometimes multiple small issues together—like a damp outlet combined with a slightly overloaded circuit—can cause repeated trips.

Why Does My GFCI Keep Tripping with Nothing Plugged In?

If your GFCI continues to trip with nothing plugged in, it is often a sign of a more serious issue. GFCI outlets may frequently trip in areas prone to moisture, some of the most common reasons for a tripped breaker include:

• Condensation buildup inside of the outlet.
• Damaged or faulty appliance connection.
• Improperly installed or loose wiring.
• Rodent damage to wires and connections.
• Mistakenly connected wiring.
• Outdoor Christmas lights or drop cords left exposed.

GFCIs are very sensitive by design, so even a small irregularity can trigger a trip. If your problem persists, seek the help of a professional electrician. They can test your electrical circuit to find the source of the issue and determine the best solution.